The Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji is calling on the government to urgently step up protection for all places of worship following the desecration of the historic Shiv Mandir in Samabula yesterday afternoon.
Sabha President Dhirendra Nand says a man reportedly scaled the temple fence around 3.15pm yesterday and used a pinch bar to forcibly enter the premises, destroying all sacred idols within the sanctum—including a century-old idol of Lord Shiva—before attempting to assault the temple’s caretaker.
He says only three devotees were inside at the time, preparing food for a religious function and a fourth devotee witnessed the incident and alerted police, who responded swiftly and arrested the suspect at the scene.
Nand says the spiritual and emotional damage caused to the Hindu community is immeasurable and has left thousands of devotees across Fiji deeply hurt.
While expressing gratitude for the Fiji Police Force’s rapid response, Nand has made an urgent plea to the government for swift court proceedings against the suspect, enhanced police presence at major temples, mosques and other places of worship, and united condemnation of such acts from all community and faith leaders to preserve Fiji’s values of mutual respect and unity in diversity.
He says this is a moment to reflect, heal, and reinforce their shared values of respect, tolerance, and national unity.
Nand also expressed heartfelt thanks to those who have offered support and solidarity since the incident, including the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Interfaith Search Fiji, Fiji Sevashram Sangha, and members of the Sikh and Islamic communities.
He says despite the attack, the temple remains open.
The Sabha President says those who wish to contribute to the restoration of the temple can make donations directly to the Shree Sanatan Shiv Mandir account at BSP Bank, using account number 3763662, BSB code 069, and SWIFT code BOSPFJFJ.
Nand says they refrain from making any communal attributions and implore the public to remain calm, respectful, and unified during this difficult time.
He adds this is a moment to reflect, heal, and reinforce our shared values of respect, tolerance, and national unity.
Meanwhile, the suspect who allegedly entered and desecrated the Sanatan Shiv Mandir yesterday afternoon has been referred for a psychiatric evaluation.
